Where The Magic Happens: Workspaces Of The Most Influential Leaders

Just over a week ago I started working at a standing desk, in hopes that a new set-up would increase my energy, sharpen my focus and, of course, extend my life just the tiniest of bits. It’s been a process of baby-steps: I stand for around two hours in the morning then sit for one at lunchtime; I try my best to stand until closing time, but it’s harder than it sounds.

Sure, treadmill desks, multiple monitors, open–air offices and desks replete with a fully-stocked bar may crop up time and again in this feature. But as my friend (and former Forbes staffer) Francesca Levy points out, not every influencer gets busy in an off-the-wall environment. “Lots of LinkedIn Influencers find inspiration at traditional desks,” she writes in a blog post this morning. “Still others rely on whatever temporary space they find themselves in: hotel rooms, economy-class seats, hair salons or kitchen tables.”

But no matter the where, the photo series illustrates that these entrepreneurs leaders and venture capitalists focus on the details of how they work best—and it shows. As Levy points out, Craigslist founder Craig Newmark’s sparse desk is indicative of his work style—he says he functions best with few visual distractions. Other images show style taking a backseat to function: take entrepreneur and sometimes VC Andrew Chen who uses a daily Post-It note to remind himself of a mid-afternoon flossing and stretching break.

In contrast, many others adorn their spaces with reminders of home and family, from the bobble-heads that fill the office of Peter Gruber, the co-owner of the L.A. Dodgers to the mementos of alma mater Oklahoma State University cherished by BP Capital Management Chairman and billionaire T. Boone Pickens at the desk where he’s worked for more than three decades. Pickens, it should be noted, also keeps a workout reminder on his desk—in his post for LinkedIn he says he tracks his daily exercise on a calendar.

Where MY magic happens

At that, I’m standing again.

Where do you spend your most productive hours? Do you prefer a Spartan workspace or one filled with photos and tchochkes? Has technology made your “office” a mobile operation? Have you tried (and succeeded?!) at a stand-up desk? I want to hear about it. So does LinkedIn-- Tweet a picture to @LinkedInToday with the hashtag #thisiswhereIwork, and they might feature your scene in an upcoming post. (Don’t forget to keep me in the loop @meg_casserly)

UPDATE:@Forbes has its own hashtag! We want to know how you're working! Tag your office pics #FORBESOFFICE (on Twitter or Instagram) & tell us what's special about your setup.